Emphysema and Bronchitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes emphysema
and chronic bronchitis, diseases characterized by obstruction
to air flow. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis frequently coexist,
thus physicians prefer the term COPD.
More than 46,900 Oregonians have emphysema, more than 116,000
have chronic bronchitis. 785 Oregonians die from these diseases
each year. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD cases are
caused by smoking. A smoker is 10 times more likely than a
nonsmoker to die of COPD. Other known causes are frequent
lung infections and exposure to certain industrial pollutants.
Emphysema causes the walls between the air sacs within the
lungs to lose their ability to stretch and recoil. They become
weakened and break. Elasticity of the lung tissue is lost,
causing air to be trapped in the air sacs and impairing the
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Also, the support of
the airways is lost, allowing for obstruction of airflow.
Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and limited exercise
tolerance. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation and eventual
scarring of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Symptoms include
chronic cough, increased mucus, frequent clearing of the throat,
and shortness of breath.
Alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency-related (AAT) emphysema is
caused by the inherited deficiency of a protein called alpha1-antitrypsin
(AAT) or alpha1-protease inhibitor. AAT, produced by the liver,
is a "lung protector." In the absence of AAT, emphysema
is almost inevitable. An estimated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans,
primarily of northern European descent, have AAT deficiency
emphysema. The onset of this disease usually occurs when people
are between the ages of 20 and 50. It is characterized by
shortness of breath and decreased exercise capacity. Blood
screening can determine if a person is a carrier or AAT-deficient.
If children are diagnosed as AAT-deficient, they may undergo
a liver transplant.
Treatment of COPD
The quality of life for a person with COPD diminishes as
the disease progresses. People with COPD may eventually require
supplemental oxygen and may have to rely on mechanical respiratory
assistance. Treatments may also include bronchodilators to
open up air passages in the lungs, antibiotics, and exercise
to strengthen muscles.
To reduce and control symptoms of chronic bronchitis, sufferers
should live a healthy lifestyle by exercising, avoiding cigarette
smoke and other air pollutants, and eating well. Pulmonary
rehabilitation is a preventative health-care program provided
by a team of health professionals to help people cope physically,
psychologically, and socially with COPD.
Lung transplantation, and a new surgical procedure called
lung volume reduction surgery, are both being performed in
increasing numbers and may be options for people with severe
emphysema. Both of these surgeries carry high risks. Current
research into COPD is focusing on gene therapy. It is hoped
that clinical trials of this type of therapy will take place
within the decade.
American Thoracic Society “
Patient Information Series”
These materials have been developed by the American Thoracic Association.
They are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute
for the expertise of a medical practitioner. If you are a lung disease patient
and have questions about the diagnosis or treatment of your condition, please see
your medical practitioner.
Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
Arterial Catheterization
Chest Tube Thoracostomy
What is “the flu”?
Oxygen Therapy
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Mechanical Ventilation
Signs and Symptoms of COPD
Medicines Used to Treat COPD
Pulmonary Function Tests in COPD
Surgery for COPD
Sarcoidosis
What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
Use of a Tracheostomy With a Child
Better Breathers Club
The American Lung Association of Oregon has many resources
on preventing and living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease. ALAO also supports a Better Breathers Club for
patients, family members, friends, or anyone interested in
the better
management of COPD.
The Better Breathers Club combines educational information
with informal sharing and social opportunities. Educational
programs include videos, literature demonstrations and presentations
by guest physicians, respiratory therapists and other health
care and social welfare professionals.
The "BBC" is also people helping people - an opportunity
for mutual support and sharing ideas and experiences. BBC
groups usually meet on a monthly basis in locations throughout
the state. Joining a group is a simple matter of contacting
the
American Lung Association. View a list of Oregon BBC
groups.
For more information on lung disease contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org or call 503-924-4094.
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